“In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (2024, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 4
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	Ethics – Probity in Governance; Work Culture

Model Answer

The Constitution guarantees equality of opportunity in public jobs (Article 16). More women now serve as officers. Yet they face challenges that men usually do not.

Gender-Specific Challenges

• Double burden: Office work plus most home and care duties.
• Stereotypes: Authority questioned; “soft” postings assumed.
• Safety: Sexual harassment and risky night field duty.
• Poor facilities: Few crèches and toilets in field offices.
• Career breaks: Maternity and transfers slow promotions.
• Pressure on probity: Isolation makes resisting pressure harder.

Measures

• Strict use of the POSH Act, 2013 with active Internal Committees.
• Family support: Child Care Leave, crèches and flexible hours.
• Gender sensitisation for all staff via Mission Karmayogi.
• Mentoring and women officers’ networks.
• Fair postings on merit, with safe transport.

Conclusion

Support, not special favour, lets women officers work with integrity and confidence. Gender-just offices make governance more humane.

Related PYQs

• Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (GS1, 2024)
• “Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level? (2024)
• To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal? (2025)